19-year-old Miss Hibiscus contestant Maria Ali, sponsored by Merchant Finance, is strongly advocating for youth mental health and the role of spiritual support in overcoming social challenges.
After attending the church service today, Ali says she found Reverend Epeli Ratabacaca’s sermon remarkable and impactful, as it touched on key themes closely aligned with her advocacy.
Speaking to fijivillage News, she says one part that stood out to her was when Reverend Ratabacaca explained that, in order to win something, sometimes losing something first is a vital part of the process.
The sermon also addressed the struggles faced by today’s youth, particularly the rise in drug use and mental health issues, which Ali believes can be mitigated through a stronger connection to faith and community support.
Ali highlighted that Reverend Ratabacaca emphasised how the word of God can positively influence young people and help steer them away from drugs and other social issues.
Ali is now advocating for greater awareness around youth mental health — especially for those who feel unheard, unloved, or neglected. She added that she chose this advocacy because it is something she has always felt called to do.
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